Nitrogen and Phosphorus are two nutrients which have the potential to cause environmental degradation of our natural resources, primarily water. Nitrogen and Phosphorus are also important plant nutrients contained in many fertilizers; to minimize the potential negative impact of these nutrients from fertilizers, local and statewide nutrient management regulations have been and are being developed.

Chapter 262 of the Acts of 2012 authorized the enactment of a new statewide nutrient management regulation by the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture (MDAR). As part of the legislation specific communities were given the opportunity to adopt their own regulations. The local regulations cannot be less restrictive than the state regulation. The Cape Cod Commission through designation of a District of Critical Planning Concern allowed towns to adopt local nitrogen regulations for turf. Those towns that did not adopt local ordinances will fall under state regulation. The regulations for non-agricultural turf and lawns became effective on June 5, 2015. The regulations for agricultural land became effective on December 5, 2015.

Summary Of Local Regulations

Certification

The towns of Barnstable and Chatham adopted regulations that include standards for non-certified and certified applicators. Certified applicators are permitted to apply fertilizers in accordance with the UMass Best Management Practices for Soil & Nutrient Management in Turf Systems, and not the more restrictive town performance standards.

Cape Cod Cooperative Extension will be offering opportunities for fertilizer applicators to become certified. Fertilizers applicators may become certified by passing a proficiency assessment test or by verifying that you meet specific criteria developed by the Cape Cod Commission’s Content and Application of Turf Fertilizer Model Bylaw. Landscape professionals and homeowners may become Certified Fertilizer Applicators.